Consultancy specialist group: How to be a consultant

The programme ran from March to October 2021 and consisted of a series of short, interactive, TED-style talks, where expert speakers discussed success factors with an audience that harnessed the wisdom of experienced consultants with the energy of newcomers. 

Who is it for?

It is aimed at new entrants to the profession as well as experienced IT practitioners from all specialities who are considering a move into consultancy. Experienced consultants joined the audience and shared their own thoughts, advice and experiences.

Programme topics

The following topics were discussed:

• What’s different about being a consultant
• Using methods, tools and resources
• Helping people to change
• Being a consultant
• Interviews, fact-finding and evidence
• Managing projects and mixed teams
• Ethics and behaviours
• Analysis and problem solving
• Client relationships
• Selling your work
• Report writing
• Fees, commerciality, contracts and finance
• Creativity
• Presentation skills
• Quality and risk management
• Trust and influencing
• Solution design and buy-in
• Teams and relationships
• Thought leadership and reputation
• Getting decisions made and delivered
• Successful delivery and beyond

Sessions

Each session consisted of 15-20 minutes of presentation with a further 10-15 minutes allowed for contributions from other experienced attendees and questions from the audience. Three topics were covered in each 90-minute event. Each talk has been published as a video along with an accompanying slide pack to provide a permanent, free resource.

A dispersed pool of experts was drawn upon and offered to a wide audience. The sessions used the Zoom conference format. Primary speakers and BCS hosts formed a panel, and contributions from other experienced consultants was encouraged.